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McEmn Great Danes | ||
| Nikki Riggsbee | Sylvia Hammarstrom Breeding Principles | ||
| 813/654-3412 nriggsbee@aol.com |
Sylvia Hammarstrom has been breeding Schnauzers since 1950. As of 1990, she has bred 500 Giant Schnauzer champions, over 50 Standard Schnauzer champions, and about 15 Miniature Schnauzer champions.
| Recognize that there is a difference between breeding a good quality dog and a superstar. | |
| To get a superstar, it takes time, dogs well bred for several generations, a well trained eye to recognize future greatness, and a lot of luck. | |
| It is important to be able to recognize a special pup at 6 - 10 weeks, for most breeders cannot keep a dog until 6 to 12 months. | |
| Breed only the best to the best. Do not waste your time on breeding mediocre dogs; there are many mediocre champions. | |
| Don't be kennel blind. | |
| The parents of the stud dog you choose must be as good or better than the stud dog you choose. | |
| Using a proven stud dog who has already produced several outstanding offspring improves your chances 100%. | |
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Nothing can replace experience, and the longer you practice any craft the better you get. |
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Pick the pup that has that special carriage and attitude; not the bully, not the coward, not the largest, but the pup everyone picks out, including your non-doggy friends. |
| Attitude and carriage is fifty percent of a winning dog. I don't care how perfect your dog is if he doesn't have a superior, energetic attitude, he will never be a star. Breeding for attitude is as important as breeding for a good topline or a good front. | |
| Do not get stuck in details. Headhunters invariably do not have a good eye for a dog, so they get stuck on details. A beautiful dog is a complete unit, the balance, the attitude, the carriage is far more important than any details. | |
| Don't expect every pup in your litter to be a top champion. | |